Dueling campaigns launched in new California District 40 after Prop 50 passes

"The Congressional redistricting measure passed overwhelmingly, with 64% of Californians voting in favor. On Wednesday, a group of Republican lawmakers and more than a dozen voters filed a federal lawsuit challenging the proposition, saying it's unconstitutional and favors Latino voters. Now, two Republican members of Congress -- Young Kim and Ken Calvert -- are launching campaigns in the new districts -- races that will be on the ballot for the 2026 midterms."

"Republican Young Kim currently represents 35% of the new California District 40. Now, Kim and Calvert announced they're running against each other. "When we're thinking about, 'Oh, this was a safe district. This was a swing district.' I think we have to throw much of that out the window and look at a completely different view now. We have places where we're going to see matchups that we've never seen before," said Jessica Levinson, a Loyola Law School professor."

"In a statement, Calvert said in part, "No one else comes close to my record of service to the new 40th. I've lived here my entire life and already represent the majority of this district in Congress." Kim said in part, "I'm running because California needs proven fighters who will stand with President Trump to advance a bold America First agenda that restores law and order in our communities, strengthens our national security, and protects the American Dream for future generations.""

Prop 50 passed with 64% voter support, enacting mid-decade congressional redistricting in California. Republican lawmakers and voters filed a federal lawsuit alleging the maps are unconstitutional and favor Latino voters. The new maps reshaped districts and prompted immediate campaign announcements for the 2026 midterms. Republican Ken Calvert currently represents 51% of the new District 40 and Young Kim represents 35%, and both announced campaigns in the reconfigured district. Observers warn that traditional safe or swing labels may no longer apply, creating matchups that have not previously occurred. Both incumbents emphasized their records and priorities in campaign statements.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles